Channel 5 has bought the rights to Big Brother following months of
negotiations with its creators Endemol.

The broadcaster, which was last summer acquired by Daily Express-owner Richard Desmond, will bring Big Brother back to British television screens later this year.

Channel 5 will hold the exclusive rights to the series in a two-year deal thought to be worth about £200m.

The new reign of Big Brother will begin with an “all-star celebrity version” later this summer followed by a new series featuring members of the public.There has been speculation that Mr Desmond is keen to attract contestants such as troubled actor Charlie Sheen.

It will be filmed in its original home of Elstree Film Studios, and produced by Endemol UK production arm Initial.

“Big Brother is one of the world’s most successful television brands having had 19 series aired across 81 territories in 2010 and its global popularity shows no sign of abating,” said Channel 5, despite concerns from previous broadcaster Channel 4 that the show has had its day after 11 years.